affordable wine country weekend in santa rosa, ca
As you already know, I love my home town. Sonoma County, CA has everything from amazing wine tasting to gorgeous hiking and then delicious food to top it all off. There are plenty of ways to experience Sonoma County depending on your timing, interests and budget. And today I’m focusing on a budget friendly version of visiting the wine country. It might be expensive to live here, but it doesn’t have to be expensive to visit!
where to eat
So many delicious restaurants around town! For full lists of my favorites you can check out The Best Happy Hours in Santa Rosa and The Best Places to Eat in Sonoma County. For budget friendly suggestions, I usually say stick with the tried and true classics that have been around town for awhile — there’s a reason they’ve lasted so long. Some of them might be a little dive-y, but the food is always delicious!
Huna Kitchen — this is actually listed as the best Chinese food in Sonoma County on my list of The Best Places to Eat. It’s that good and it’s that inexpensive. You can get a box of food for under $10 and could easily split it between 2 people.
Santa Rosa Seafood Grill — I don’t eat seafood but people rave about this place. They also make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich so if someone in your group is like me, they can still enjoy it!
Boudin SF — this is a chain, but only in California. From sandwiches and soups to pizzas and salads, this is a place that will have something for everyone.
Taco Trucks — head down Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa and you’ll find some of the best Mexican food! Taco trucks are parked throughout during the day and you really can’t go wrong. One of my favorites is El Roy’s and I’ve heard Delicias Elenita Taco Truck is another great one.
where to stay
Astro Motel — Jamie and I recently stayed here for a staycation over the weekend and had such a great time! This hotel is perfect for the traveler that is looking to explore Sonoma County because it’s very conveniently located. Just a few short blocks from downtown Santa Rosa, you are walking distance to amazing restaurants and shops allowing you to spend the day enjoying the city. The Astro Motel also offers bike rentals that are another fun (and inexpensive) activity! When you are done for the day, they have Casper Mattresses in the rooms, which I feel in love with — the exact thing your body needs after being out and about all day! Bonus — the hotel is pet friendly, so your pup can experience wine country with you!
Plus I have a special offer just for you! The Astro Motel has extended you a 20% discount on your stay! Just use code CERRI2020 while booking through their website or reference the promo code when calling to book.
what to do
Hiking — Santa Rosa, and the surrounding areas, have some of the best hiking, It’s absolutely gorgeous! If you have 3-4 hours, Gunsight at Sugarloaf is a must do. The view at the top is 😍. Annadel State Park is a little easier and also great if you like mountain biking too. If you’re looking for a shorter walk but want to enjoy the outdoors, there is a path around Spring Lake Park that is perfect.
Dillon Beach — the coast is just 30 minutes away and it’s so gorgeous out there. I will warn you it’s not your typical beach (there will be no bathing suits involved) so make sure you wear layers. There are days that reach 75 degree out there but they are hit or miss so it’s always better to be prepared. This beach is pet friendly so if you are traveling with your pup, this beach day it perfect for them!
Wine Tasting — I love me some wine. And wine tasting is one of my favorite activities! For the most part, there is typically a tasting fee of $10-$20 per person depending on where you go. And a lot of times, the winery will wave that fee if you buy a bottle. But there are also quite a few wineries that offer free tastings that I’ve listed below!
Merry Edwards Winery — 2959 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Korbel — 13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446
Alexander Valley Vineyards — 8644 CA-128, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Char Vale Winery — 9280 Occidental Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Williamson Wines — 134 Matheson St, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Trattore Farms — 7878 Dry Creek Rd, Geyserville, CA 95441
